Jamgon Mipam (1846-1912) is one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of Tibet. Monk, mystic, and brilliant philosopher, he shaped the trajectory of Tibetan Buddhisms Nyingma school. This introduction provides a most concise entre to this great luminary's life and work. The first section gives a general context for understanding this remarkable individual who, though he spent the greater part of his life in solitary retreat, became one of the greatest scholars of his age. Part Two gives an overview of Mipam's interpretation of Buddhism, examining his major themes, and devoting particular attention to his articulation of the Buddhist conception of emptiness. Part Three presents a representative sampling of Mipam's writings.

"At last, a comprehensive study of Mipam, the Nyingma Lion, whose magisterial works bridged the scholastic and yogic traditions of Tibet. Beautifully written, Duckworth's book lucidly surveys Mipam's Buddhist philosophy and provides translated excerpts from Mipam's voluminous body of work that illustrate his erudite views. This is an exciting, accessible book we have been waiting for!" - commentary by Judith Simmer-Brown, Professor of Religious Studies, Naropa University, author of Dakini's Warm Breath.

"Like the sun shining in the sky, the writings of our kind protector, Lama Mipam, sparkle with the light of wisdom. I congratulate my student, Prof. Douglas Duckworth, for publishing this important book on the life and works of the great scholar-practioner and I believe the book will be of interest not only to students of Tibetan Buddhism, but to anyone with a sincere interest in discovering the depths of Buddhist insight." - commentary by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, author of Present Fresh Wakefulness.

Jamgon Mipam (1846-1912) is one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of Tibet. Monk, mystic, and brilliant philosopher, he shaped the trajectory of Tibetan Buddhisms Nyingma school. This introduction provides a most concise entre to this great luminary's life and work. The first section gives a general context for understanding this remarkable individual who, though he spent the greater part of his life in solitary retreat, became one of the greatest scholars of his age. Part Two gives an overview of Mipam's interpretation of Buddhism, examining his major themes, and devoting particular attention to his articulation of the Buddhist conception of emptiness. Part Three presents a representative sampling of Mipam's writings.
Douglas S. Duckworth, PHD, is one of the leading Mipam scholars at work today. Conversant in Tibetan, Chinese, and Sanskrit, he is translator of Distinguishing The Views and Philosophies: Illuminating Emptiness in a Twentieth-Century Tibetan Buddhist Classic and has collaborated on English translations of Mipam's commentaries. He is also the author of Mipam on Buddha-Nature: the Ground if the Nyungma Tradition.

Contents: Jamgon Mipam: His Life and Teachings

Introduction

vii

Part One: Life and Context

One. Mipam's Life

3

Two. Background of Buddhism in India

17

Three. Buddhist Identity in Tibet

39

Four. Survey of Mipam's Works

55

Part Two: Overview of Mipham's Buddhist Works

Five. Unity

67

Six. Mind-Only and the Middle Way

81

Seven. Emptiness and the Nonconceptual

99

Eight. Immanent Wisdom

119

Conclusion

135

Part Three: Select Translations

1. Emptiness and Analysis

141

2. Conceiving the Inconceivable

142

3. Unity and Buddha-Nature

143

4. Steps to the Middle Way

145

5. No-Self

146

6. Unmistaken Emptiness

147

7. Meditation on Emptiness

149

8. Mind-Only and the Middle Way

150

9. Mind-Only and the Middle Way II

151

10. Reflexive Awareness

155

11. Consequence and Autonomy

157

12. Consequence and Autonomy II

158

13. Two Truths

160

14. Unconditioned Buddha-Nature

163

15. Appearance and Reality

167

16. From the Two Wheels of Sutra to Tantra

169

17. Establishing Appearances as Divine

170

18. Fourfold Valid Cognition

173

19. Practical Advice for Beginners

175

20. Practical Advice for Monastics

176

21. Practical Advice on the Path of Illusion

179

22. Stages to Calm Abiding

182

23. Stillness, Movement, and Awareness in the Great Seal

187

24. Method for Sustaining the Nature of Awareness

189

25. A Quintessential Instruction on the Vital Point in Three Statements